State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 23 Oct 2025

Donkey Population Crisis in Madhya Pradesh

Why in News? 

The 21st Livestock Census shows that while Madhya Pradesh has a total of 3.75 crore livestock, the donkey population forms only a negligible share and has witnessed a sharp and continuous decline in recent years. 

Key Points 

• About: Donkeys, once an essential part of rural transport and trade in Madhya Pradesh, are now facing near-local extinction in several districts, raising serious concerns about biodiversity loss and the livelihoods of rural communities. 
• Population Decline: The donkey population in the state has declined drastically, from 49,289 in 1997 to just 3,052 in 2025, representing a 94% decrease in less than three decades. 
  • Districts with the highest donkey populations include Narmadapuram (332), Chhatarpur (232), Morena (228), and Rewa (226).  
  • Vidisha, which once had over 6,400 donkeys, now has only 171, while Bhopal records just 56.  
  • Districts such as Dindori, Niwari, Seoni, Harda, and Umaria have reported zero donkeys, indicating local extinction. 
• Causes of Decline: 
  • Illicit Trade in Donkey Hides: Driven by China’s demand for the “Ejiao” industry, where donkey skins are boiled to extract gelatin used in traditional tonics, aphrodisiacs, and anti-ageing products. 
  • Decline in Traditional Use: Mechanisation of transport and agriculture has reduced the economic utility of donkeys in rural areas. 

Livestock Population in Madhya Pradesh
Species	Population
Cows	15.7 million
Buffaloes	10.2 million
Goats	10.9 million
Sheep	558,324
Horses	9,971
Mules	972
Camels	2,896
Pigs	89,177
Donkeys	3,052

Livestock Census 

• A livestock census has been conducted across the country every 5 years since 1919. 
  • As per the 20^th Census conducted in 2019, the total Livestock population in India is 535.78 million. 
  • The total Bovine population (Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun and Yak) was 302.79 Million. 
• For the development of livestock, the National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme, launched in 2014-15, consists of three sub-missions: Breed Development of Livestock & Poultry, Feed & Fodder Development, and Innovation & Extension. 

Annual Hingot War Festival

Why in News? 

The annual ‘Hingot War’ (Fireball Battle) Festival began on 21st October 2025 in Gautampura village under Depalpur tehsil, around 59 km from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.  

Key Points 

• About: The festival is organised every year on ‘Dhok Padwa’ (a day after Diwali) to commemorate the Mughal–Maratha conflicts of the 17th–18th centuries. 
• Cultural Significance: According to local folklore, the Hingot War originated from the warrior customs of Gurjar soldiers, later evolving into a symbolic and festive sport after real wars ceased. 
  • The region, largely inhabited by the Gurjar community, is known for its martial traditions, bravery, and horsemanship. 
• Festival Rituals: 
  • The event begins after sunset. 
  • Villagers gather at a temple to offer prayers, following which the fireball battle commences. 
  • Villagers from Gautampura and Runji, situated on opposite sides of a river, participate in the ritual battle. 
    • Gautampura residents represent the Turra army. 
    • Runji villagers represent the Kalangi army. 
• Hingot: The “Hingot” is a local fruit that is plucked, dried, and stuffed with gunpowder, then tied to a wooden stick and lit before being thrown at opponents — flying through the air like a rocket. 

INS Sahyadri Participates in JAIMEX-25

Why in News? 

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri, an indigenously built Shivalik-class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, participated in the Sea Phase of JAIMEX-25 (Japan-India Maritime Exercise) from 16th–18th October 2025, followed by a Harbour Phase at Yokosuka, Japan, on 21st October 2025.

Key Points 

• Objective:  
  • JAIMEX-25 reinforces the ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’ between India and Japan established in 2014, aiming to promote peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific, while reflecting their shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive maritime region. 
• Phases:  
  • The Sea Phase featured INS Sahyadri, JMSDF ships Asahi, Oumi, and submarine Jinryu, conducting advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare exercises, missile defence drills, flying operations, and underway replenishment to enhance interoperability. 
  • The Harbour Phase at Yokosuka focused on professional and cultural exchanges such as cross-deck visits, operational planning, sharing of best practices, and a combined Yoga session, as part of INS Sahyadri’s Long Range Deployment in the Indo-Pacific region. 
• Other Excercises: Other bilateral exercises between India and Japan include the Malabar exercise (Naval Exercise), ‘Veer Guardian’ (Air Force), and Dharma Guardian (Army). 
• About INS Sahyadri: 
  • INS Sahyadri, commissioned in 2012, represents India’s advancement in indigenous defence technology and aligns with the nation’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India). 
  • The multi-role stealth frigate has actively participated in numerous operational deployments as well as bilateral and multilateral naval exercises.